X Factor All Stars: Simon Cowell wants former contestants back for special show

Simon Cowell says he’s looking to launch an ‘all star’ version of The X Factor.

The music mogul has teased plans to bring back former acts – and judges – for a special new series.

The X Factor wrapped up its fifteenth series on Sunday night, where Dalton Harris was crowned winner at Wembley Arena.

Over the years, The X Factor has launched acts including One Direction and Little Mix, while judges have ranged from Rita Ora and Cheryl to Louis Walsh and Nick Grimshaw.

Unveiling his plans for some special spin-offs, Simon told The Sun newspaper: “This year’s show has been really fun. We did a celebrity one years ago. It was a disaster and I hated it but, for some reason, now seems like a better time.

“We want to do an all-stars series with a mix of former contestants and judges, a champions show and a celebrity version.

“Negotiations have begun and I hope and think it will happen.”

Meanwhile, Simon has claimed that ITV has offered the show another three-year deal for both The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Although ITV has yet to confirm an official renewal, Simon says both programmes will continue beyond the end of their current contract in 2019.

While The X Factor has seen declining viewing figures, Simon says that despite the total audience declining, more younger viewers are tuning in.

“We’ve just been offered an extension on both shows because of the 16 to 34-year-old audience,” he said.

Simon explained: “We could probably do three years or five years. It makes a lot of money. We got to a point years ago where we were able to compete with Strictly because there was that huge audience.

“We’re losing people now but fortunately the young audience has actually grown this year and all the advertisers and the sponsors want that income on a Saturday.”

The X Factor will return for its sixteenth series next autumn on ITV.